Who Knows?

She sits across from me
I note her fragile loveliness
smooth blond hair, expensive clothes
distraught, tearful
her eye make-up runs
she says he doesn't know
that she knows of his affair
she is still in shock

I have seen him in the past
and already know about
his infidelity
many more times with many
more partners than she knows
but I cannot say
I must abide by a
professional code of ethics

She plays with the idea of
paying him back
having her own affair but
remembers their young children
she blames herself
wonders what she can do
she asks where God is
does He know

I whisper a silent prayer
as I guide her
ask what she truly wants
next session I see them both
love shines in their eyes
mixed with pain
he chokes out his confession
they sob together

It's a long, arduous journey
she is stronger than she thought
he, more contrite and understanding
of his own needs and hers
they are one couple in
a small minority
who make it
I will not see them again